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Inflation and Efficiency in a Search Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Chaim Fershtman

    (Tel Aviv University)

  • Arthur Fishman

    (Bar Ilan University)

  • Avi Simhon

    (Hebrew University of Jersualem)

Abstract

We present a model in which purely monetary inflation systematically affects efficiency, welfare, and relative prices. The model focuses on the microeconomics of trade in search markets under inflation. Inflation, by increasing the cost of holding money, undermines the market's ability to sustain long-term customer relationships. Because those relationships generate the most efficient transactions patterns, overall welfare unambiguously declines. Copyright 2003 By The Economics Department Of The University Of Pennsylvania And Osaka University Institute Of Social And Economic Research Association

Suggested Citation

  • Chaim Fershtman & Arthur Fishman & Avi Simhon, 2003. "Inflation and Efficiency in a Search Economy," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 44(1), pages 205-222, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:ier:iecrev:v:44:y:2003:i:1:p:205-222
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tommasi, Mariano, 1994. "The Consequences of Price Instability on Search Markets: Toward Understanding the Effects of Inflation," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 84(5), pages 1385-1396, December.
    2. Fishman, Arthur, 1992. "Search Technology, Staggered Price-Setting, and Price Dispersion," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 82(1), pages 287-298, March.
    3. Vining, Daniel R, Jr & Elwertowski, Thomas C, 1976. "The Relationship between Relative Prices and the General Price Level," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 66(4), pages 699-708, September.
    4. A. R. Pagan & A. D. Hall & P. K. Trivedi, 1983. "Assessing the Variability of Inflation," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 50(4), pages 585-596.
    5. Burdett, Kenneth & Judd, Kenneth L, 1983. "Equilibrium Price Dispersion," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 51(4), pages 955-969, July.
    6. Dennis W. Carlton, 1982. "The Disruptive Effect of Inflation on the Organization of Markets," NBER Chapters, in: Inflation: Causes and Effects, pages 139-152, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fishman, Arthur & Simhon, Avi, 2003. "Can Income Equality Increase Competitiveness?," Discussion Papers 14983, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Department of Agricultural Economics and Management.

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